Zuko let out a loud sigh and sat up quickly. He lit fire in his palm and pushed the canopy open. He lit the lantern that on his bed side table and then got out of bed. He walked over to the other side of his bedroom absently and kneeled down in front of the chest he had packed with personal supplies for his trip. He opened the large black crate and put the necklace into the pocket of the folded up tunic. He then latched it back up and walked over to his bedside table. He stared at the scroll that held his nearing voyage. He hesitated slightly before picking it up to read. His eyes skimmed through the long contract before stopping at a line that caught his attention.

At age sixteen, Prince Zuko will be sent off to find the dughter of cheif hakoda of the southern tibe to be his wife. Zuko's stomach turned in nervousness. He skipped to the middle of the parchment and started reading again. A start from Fire Nation Palace, to Southern Water Tribe will be close to three months. after leaving the Southern Water Tribe, he must come back with a the Cheif Hakoda dughter or else – Zuko growled and threw the scroll roughly into the basket next to the side table.

"I won't…I can't…" His voice broke as he sank to his knees.

"Prince Zuko. You're ship is waiting." A male guard interrupted while stepping into the door way. "Everything is ready to go, sir."

He nodded and sighed. "Good bye." He walked past Ila and started down the halls quickly. It took him a few moments to get to the main entrance but when he did, the doors opened for him. He stepped out and noticed that it was early dawn. He jeered and stepped down the stairs. Seconds after, he was lifted up and taken to the shore. It took nearly ten minutes since the palace was far from it, but he didn't care. His mind was else where and he was snapped out of a daze when the curtain was pulled open so he could step out. He shook his head quickly and did so.."

Zuko nodded slightly and started down the dense dark halls. "Where's my bed chamber?"

"Keep going straight and then turn left, sir." He answered.

Zuko nodded. "Tell the chef to start cooking. We have a long journey ahead of us…"

"Uh, sir!" The crew member rushed to Zuko quickly. "You do know that you're uncle is going to be here with you on your journey, right?"

Zuko stopped with wide eyes. "Really?"

The man smiled. "Yes, sir."

Zuko felt a little better. His uncle had always been able to guide him into the right path. And he was happy to know that the wise man would be traveling with him. "Good. Everything has been happening so fast, I haven't had a chance to talk to him ever since I knew about this trip."

Zuko felt the ship start to move as the man spoke. "Would you like me to tell him you want to see him?"

Zuko nodded. "That would be nice."

"I'll get right on that."

He started down the halls again as the crew member turned to go the other direction. Zuko made his way down the hall and then turned left. He saw the black metal door and opened it. He was met with a large room. It was decorated for just the prince he was. The fire place had glowing embers in it and lit the room dimly. On the opposite wall was a bed big enough for two and the blankets were red silk. His large chests were at the edge of the bed and he smiled at that.

There were throw pillows in front of the head pillows but he didn't take much note to it. He shut the door and looked over to the wall that was left of the bed. There was a desk and chair, and on the desk were a few pieces of parchment and an ink container. Along with a few quill pens. Zuko then noticed a door that was on the wall to the right of the bed. There was a large space between the bed and door and the door itself was several feet down the wall. He put his hands behind his back and walked over to it casually. He pushed it open and noticed it was a wash room; a rather big one at that. He stepped in and looked around. There was a large square tub against the far left wall that met at the corner of the wall as well. On the opposite side of the room, was a long black top counter that had two sinks and a mirror that was pressed to the wall. He walked over to it and looked at the faucet. He turned the knob and his eyes widened. Running water. iThat's not common…I thought that the Palace only got that…i He thought while turning it off.

He bent down and sat cross-legged while opening up the dark wooden cabinet that was under the white ceramic counter. He saw natural necessities such as towels and soap but his eyes instantly caught on a small box. It stood out against the white towels and dark brown wood of the inside of the cabinet its self. With curiosity, he pulled the box out and opened it. Once he did, he yelped in surprise and it dropped into his lap. They were feminine necessities. He quickly shoved the box back into the cabinet and shook his head.

"Prince Zuko?" Came a very familiar voice from his room.

Zuko stood quickly with a smile. "I'm here, uncle." He stepped out of the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

The slightly over weight, white bearded man smiled back at him happily. "How are you doing?"

Zuko sat on his bed and frowned. "I could be a lot better, Uncle Iroh."

"I know this is hard for you. But I'll be here if you need anything. So you're not alone, my nephew."

Zuko scowled. "Thank you. But I won't need much." He mumbled.

Iroh stood. "Well if you do." He stated. "I'll be in the main lounge room."

Zuko got up as his uncle left; closing the door. He walked over to the end of his bed and opened up the chest that had his clothes in them. He pulled out the betrothal necklace from his pocket. He looked at it and frowned.